Lake management under severe drought: Lake Mead,Nevada/Arizona

Drought can affect both the quantity and quality of water in lakes and reservoirs, yet larger, highly managed waterbodies, such as Lake Mead, may be somewhat buffered from drought effects. From 2000 to present, Lake Mead has experienced a 71% decline in volume; however, influent water quality has remained high and consistent outflow volumes through Hoover Dam have been maintained. Furthermore, management activities, such as increased removal of phosphorus by wastewater dischargers and legacy contamination cleanup efforts, have been initiated since the drought began. These efforts have led to small improvements in values of water quality parameters, such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and perchlorate, despite loss of volume for dilution of constituents, and consequently, decreased residence time. As the drought continues, Lake Mead is projected to continue declining in volume, inflows are projected to become warmer, and the population of Las Vegas is projected to grow, potentially adding additional stress to the hydrologic system. Maintenance of outflow may mitigate some potentially negative consequences, and understanding the drivers behind continued high water quality despite prolonged drought is important to continue to maintain the health and vitality of the entire Lower Colorado River Basin.